Bis-1,2,3-triazole derivative as an efficient corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in hydrochloric acid environment: Insights from experimental and computational analysis

•The inhibition effect of 1,1′-dibenzyl-5-phenyl-1H,1′H-4,4′-bi(1,2,3-triazole) (DBPBT) molecule on the corrosion of mild steel in HCl medium was investigated.•Adsorption of DBPBT molecule on the metal obeying Langmuir isotherm.•.•SEM and AFM analysis further evidenced by protective film formation.•Structure-property and inhibitor metal interaction proved by DFT approach.•Antimicrobial study evidenced for antifungal and antibacterial activity of DBPBT.